This article explores the plausibility of using co-production as a local government innovation in South Africa. The exploration conceptualises co-production emerging from the New Public Governance frameworks and as a phenomenon with solid western roots. The authors argue that co-production is a well-meaning innovation that responds to the South African local government aspirations. This study examines co-production’s utility in South Africa, acknowledging the contextual and environmental local government differences between the developed Northern countries and South Africa as a state of the Global South. It argues that co-production provides local governments in South Africa with an opportunity to work with citizens to improve public value. The study follows a qualitative approach premised within the interpretive paradigm, and reviews extant literature. It aims to complement existing literature on co-production and should be re